1. Don't be embarrassed about a problem your child has in school. Trust us, we've already seen it all. :) We're not going to think less of you as a person or a parent if your child acts out or has a problem. Just be upfront about it and work with us on it so that we are on the same page.
2. Don't send your child to school sick. We would much rather prepare makeup work than have a child throw up on the carpet or cough on everyone. We do use hand sanitizer and clorox wipes daily, but sickness tends to spread quickly in schools, and this is one case where sharing is not fun.
3. If possible, let us know if you are dealing with major changes or difficult situations that might affect your child (like a divorce, moving, parents leaving town on a trip, etc.) You may not realize it, but these situations often cause your child to act out at school, and it helps us to know how to help him or her if we are aware of what is behind the behavior.
4. Don't ask us to talk about or give opinions on other teachers at the school. It is not professional to discuss our coworkers in that way, and it puts us in an awkward situation.
5. We really do care about your child. We see them more than you do on some days, and we get to know them quite well. Please know that we have their best interests at heart.
6. We are teachers, not miracle workers. We are doing the best we can, but sometimes we can't turn things around for your child in just a day, a week, or even a month. Some things just take time. And often it can't all be done at school. Take the time to reinforce areas of weakness with your child at home, whether they be academic, behavior, or social problems.
7. Please try to avoid missing school for vacations and trips if at all possible. It puts a lot of extra burden on the teacher to have to prepare work for your child ahead of time and then help them make up missed assignments, quizzes, and tests when they return. We do our best to be there at school every day, so please help us out by doing the same in return.
8. If you are coming in to the classroom to help as a parent volunteer, please be professional. It is distracting to the students to have parents come in with ringing cellphones, noisy younger siblings, inappropriate dress, and other distractions. We appreciate your time, but please help us maintain a learning environment in our classroom while you are there.
9. Sometimes a quick thank you note or small gift can mean the world to a teacher. Teaching, like parenting, is often a thankless job. Knowing you are appreciated makes a big difference.
10. Teachers are just people, too. If you think we have overlooked something or made a mistake, it's okay to check with us. We may have a good reason for what we did, or we may have made an error. Either way, you'll feel better if you understand what is going on. And if we did make a mistake, cut us some slack--if you had 24 kids at home to clean up after, discipline, teach, care for, and love, you might not do everything perfectly either . . .
